Marrakech Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Marrakech

We loved Marrakech.You need patience and humour to cope with the insistent attempts to sell you all manner of goods...but handled properly, this can be great fun and people are always happy and smiling... be courteous and keep smiling....Try the centre artisanal for purchases if you want fixed...more We loved Marrakech.You need patience and humour to cope with the insistent attempts to sell you all manner of goods...but handled properly, this can be great fun and people are always happy and smiling... be courteous and keep smiling....Try the centre artisanal for purchases if you want fixed prices and not too much hard selling! We would recommend the textile stall organised by a co-operative for women with disabilities...friendly people with excellent products. A trip out to the Ourika valley was something special... but... again...expect a good many retail opportunities even half way up a mountain!close

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by richme9756 – posted on Nov 16, 2007

5

One of the cooler places that I have traveled to. If you can, go to the Atlas mountains (Ourika Valley) through www.moroccanviews.com. The owner, Hassan, is the most helpful and generous person that will bend over backwards in order to make sure you are getting everything you deserve not only...more One of the cooler places that I have traveled to. If you can, go to the Atlas mountains (Ourika Valley) through www.moroccanviews.com. The owner, Hassan, is the most helpful and generous person that will bend over backwards in order to make sure you are getting everything you deserve not only from his services, but from Marrakech as a city. We stayed an extra day thanks to Hassan. close

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by mindyp7761 – posted on Nov 15, 2007

2

Marrakech is not for the faint hearted. It isn\'t for those that want a peaceful, relaxing holiday, it is not for those that are not prepared to get involved in \'local\' activities. It is very definitely for those that like to mix with the locals, experience things outside the...more Marrakech is not for the faint hearted. It isn\'t for those that want a peaceful, relaxing holiday, it is not for those that are not prepared to get involved in \'local\' activities. It is very definitely for those that like to mix with the locals, experience things outside the cultural norm, and go shopping! The main square in the Medina is just full of culture - snake charmers, acrobats, story tellers, etc. and these are here largely for the locals, not the tourists. The market is hassley, but again, full of charm and culture and interesting back alleys. The food is wonderful, if you like to eat locally and cheaply. Alcohol is, understandably, hard to find except at a couple of posh bars. We enjoyed ourselves and came away feeling like we had \'experienced\' and not just \'seen\' a part of Morocco that is encompassing tourism and traditionalism very effectively. A visit of about 2-3 days is enough, but they will be a very memorable 2-3 days - with the proviso that you are prepared to mix with local culture and eat local food.close

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by Gsmcfa – posted on Nov 12, 2007

6

Marrakech is a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of Morocco. The streets of the old city of Marrakech aretoo narrow to allow cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into a good business. The culture is one of the high points of the...more Marrakech is a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of Morocco. The streets of the old city of Marrakech aretoo narrow to allow cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into a good business. The culture is one of the high points of the city, the maroccan people are very friendly and helpful if you need them. They are not affraid to show to the tourists the beauties of their country.close

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by Stephane – posted on May 1, 2007

19

The Medina feels like walking back in time many centuries. Looking for something authentic? Avoid hotels in the new city and stay at a Riad in the medina, as close to the Jema el-Fnaa square as possible. If you enjoy shopping in crowded markets and bargaining the price, you'll be at home in...more The Medina feels like walking back in time many centuries. Looking for something authentic? Avoid hotels in the new city and stay at a Riad in the medina, as close to the Jema el-Fnaa square as possible. If you enjoy shopping in crowded markets and bargaining the price, you'll be at home in the Souks! Don't miss the Villa Majorelle gardens!close

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by fortelli – posted on Apr 6, 2007

2

Marrakech is a pretty amazing city but very intense. From discussions with other people in Morocco at the time it seems Marrakech is a good place to go to once you get a better feel for Morocco. We went at the end of our trip and by then had got over the culture shock and mastered the are of...more Marrakech is a pretty amazing city but very intense. From discussions with other people in Morocco at the time it seems Marrakech is a good place to go to once you get a better feel for Morocco. We went at the end of our trip and by then had got over the culture shock and mastered the are of ignoring the constant touts. This meant that we did not have the same experience of shell shock many other travellers had told us about. I have to say that Marrakech is not representative of Morocco, it is important to visit other places and not just the cities as some of the best places we found were the small towns, out of the tourist circuit.close

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by nastyju – posted on Apr 4, 2007

24

This is a great city where the experience to be there is impossible to describe. From others you can see photos, from Marrakech you have to see, smell, listen, disccus. To know what really is Marrakech (specially it's Medina), you HAVE to be there. By moments, it's a journey in the...more This is a great city where the experience to be there is impossible to describe. From others you can see photos, from Marrakech you have to see, smell, listen, disccus. To know what really is Marrakech (specially it's Medina), you HAVE to be there. By moments, it's a journey in the time. You should like it or not, but it is sure that it is an unforgotable experience.close

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by juanesfer – posted on Apr 1, 2007

6

This city is intoxicating in every way - definitely an assault on the senses. There are no bars in the medina, so either bring your own and sit out on your rooftop with your friends, or go to a nice restaurant and have fun there. But that's not really what the city is about - it's about...more This city is intoxicating in every way - definitely an assault on the senses. There are no bars in the medina, so either bring your own and sit out on your rooftop with your friends, or go to a nice restaurant and have fun there. But that's not really what the city is about - it's about the colours, the people, the music and the interaction. Oh, and the shopping....close

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by siobh9296 – posted on Mar 23, 2007

2

Great scenery and landscape. Can see why it has been popular over the years. Major downfall is the constant hastling you get as a tourist. On the first few days you can deal with it ok, but by the end we coulndt wait to leave the country. We had a few people get quite violent because we wouldnt...more Great scenery and landscape. Can see why it has been popular over the years. Major downfall is the constant hastling you get as a tourist. On the first few days you can deal with it ok, but by the end we coulndt wait to leave the country. We had a few people get quite violent because we wouldnt buy from them! And heard bad stories from other tourists. My advice, be prepared for this. It doesnt make for a relaxing time. We didnt find locals to be particularly friendly or helpful. Many other travellers we spoke to shared a similar view. Also, there were too many tourists! unless you like feeling like your in a tourist trap, I wouldnt recommend it. Sorry, just being honest!close

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by chris1610 – posted on Mar 20, 2007

5

The weekend in the city is just the perfect way to escape grey and rainy London. It transports you to a different world. Its people are kind and generous, friendly and alwayys smiling!. The shopping is a great chance to improve your haggling skills and food is so fresh and tasty...You can also...more The weekend in the city is just the perfect way to escape grey and rainy London. It transports you to a different world. Its people are kind and generous, friendly and alwayys smiling!. The shopping is a great chance to improve your haggling skills and food is so fresh and tasty...You can also visit the Atlas mountains, or go to the beach, the options are limitless...I'd definitely want to come back to Marrakesh soon!close

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by sonia8929 – posted on Mar 2, 2007

2